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All of these treatments can cause side effects, such as scarring. Anyone considering treatments for freckles should discuss all their options with a doctor.

Home remedies

Lemon juice may help to lighten dark spots.

Some people find that certain natural products can lighten their freckles, although these methods are not scientifically proven.

Lemons: Apply a small amount of lemon juice to cotton wool and wipe over the skin. The Vitamin C in the lemon juice may help to lighten dark spots, although it is unlikely to be a high enough concentration to make a dramatic difference.

Honey: Spread a thin layer of honey on to the skin. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water. Honey has antioxidant properties, which may help to lighten freckles over time.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and aloin. This may help to fade freckles. Use aloe vera from the leaf and apply to the skin.

Using these natural products on your skin is unlikely to cause any side effects, but it is best to do a patch test on a small area of skin first. If it causes any skin irritation, stop using the product.

When to see a doctor

Freckles are harmless, but they can sometimes look similar to some types of skin cancer. If people notice any changes in their skin, they should see a doctor, who will be able to check the skin for anything unusual.

People who have fair skin that freckles or burns easily may be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. They should, therefore, take extra care when going out in the sun.

People should see a doctor if a mole, freckle, or sun spot:

itches

bleeds

grows

changes shape

looks different to those around it

People can also use the ABCDE guide to check spots on their skin. Look for:

Asymmetry — does one half looks different to the other half?

Border — does it have poorly defined or scalloped edges?

Color — is it a variety of shades of brown, black, or tan?

Diameter — is it bigger than the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil?

Evolves — has it changed shape, size, or color?

If people have a spot on the skin that matches one or more of the above signs, they should see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Summary

Freckles are harmless marks on the skin caused by genetics and exposure to sunlight. If people have freckles, they will need to take extra care of their skin in the sun.

If people have any concerns about any new marks or changes to their skin, they should see a doctor or dermatologist who can check the skin for anything unusual.

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